This 'quitting' story is definitely new. The Backstreet Boys have announced that Kevin Richardson will leave the group with immediate effect. He will not join his former bandmates Nick, AJ, thingy and whatnot as they return to the studio to record their new album. A statement from the band says that Richardson will not be replaced and that "the door will always be open for him to return".
Confirming his decision to quit the band, Richardson told reporters: "It was a very tough decision for me but one that was necessary in order to move on with the next chapter of my life".